Waste Treatment: Used Oils

Used oil waste treatment involves the collection, recovery, or disposal of oils that have become unsuitable for their original use, including motor oils, transmission fluids, lubricants, turbine oils, and hydraulic fluids. These are classified as hazardous waste under French and European regulations.

You need prefectural approval (agrément préfectoral) to operate in this sector. The activity generally falls under the ICPE (installations classées pour la protection de l'environnement) framework, requiring either a declaration, registration, or full authorization depending on the volumes handled. You must maintain traceability records for all waste movements using the bordereaux de suivi des déchets system. Regular inspections by the DREAL verify compliance with environmental standards.

Approval and Authorization

  • ICPE Approval: Issued with authorization or registration order for installations under ICPE regulations
  • Disposal Approval: Specific approval to operate disposal facility, requested from department prefect
  • Required Documents: Technical description of installation (processes, capacities, storage, disposal methods, controls)
  • Advisory Opinion: Consultation with departmental council for environment and health/technological risks

Professional Obligations

  • Register: Chronological record keeping (nature, tonnage, dates, origin, oil recipients)
  • ADEME Declaration: Monthly technical and economic statistics to submit to Environmental Agency
  • Storage: Minimum capacity equal to 1/12 of annual disposal capacity
  • Price Display: Recovery prices must be posted
  • Financial Guarantees: Mandatory for ICPE subject to authorization (securing, interventions, site restoration)

Penalties

  • Fine: €750 for absence of register, refusal to provide to control agents, or failure to file annual ADEME declaration
  • Treatment Hierarchy: Obligation to prioritize preparation for reuse, recycling, energy recovery, then disposal as last resort